THIEVES robbed an 84-year-old woman of more than £300 after posing as water board officials.

The two men knocked on the front door of a house in Chapel Street, Wincham, and said they had come to check the woman's hot water tap.

She invited them in and one of them went into the kitchen and turned on the tap while his accomplice went upstairs.

The second man then came back downstairs, before both men left the house. A short while later the pensioner realised her purse, containing £300 in cash plus loose change, had gone.

Det Sgt Keith Berseford, of Northwich CID, said: 'I would like to reiterate, particularly at this time of year, that elderly people should be wary of who they answer their door to. If they are not satisfied with their credentials they should call the police.'

Police are also reminding elderly people not to keep large quantities of cash in their homes.

* IF you think you can help trace the two men call Northwich Police Station on 48000.